My engine and holding tank are done, but I haven't yet put any antifreeze in the bilges and pumps, and the fresh water system hasn't been done yet (planning to use vodka for that).

With a forecast low of 25 degrees tonight (high of 40 today, 36 tomorrow), is it imperative that I get this done today? The rest of the week will be a bit warmer (lows 27 - 31 degrees, highs around 40). The boat on the hard.
Thanks,
dave

If you were in the water I'd definitely say you'd be fine. Out of the water things freeze more quickly, but usually sustained temps below freezing are necessary before there's an issue. From that forecast, it sounds like the temps are only dipping below freezing for a few hours at night.

No promises, but I think you'll be okay. Do get over there this weekend and finish the process!

Thanks for the feedback. I am weighing the options. I don't have much time today, but of course I'll regret putting it off if something breaks... maybe I'll run by the yard and pump a little antifreeze/vodka into the systems and then return to do a more thourough job this weekend.
dave

Dave,
As others have said you'll probably be OK.... but it's going to be an extra cold week in the NE. I would worry most about things on the Outside like the manual bilge pump. I say that because I apparently froze/broke mine last winter. After a few years in the 'heating blanket' of in water storage (bay water is still in the low 50's) I must have gotten sloppy with my winterization of the manual bilge pump that is wayyyy up in the cockpit on the North side of the boat away from the solar and water heating. From the pump I can't see the color of the water/antifreeze pumping out so I must have just assumed (I do all this stuff alone) I pumped long enough. After the cost and aggravation of replacing it this spring I called someone over to make sure I was Pumping Pink a couple weeks ago

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Telstar 28
New England

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a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
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Ok, I am going to take a long lunch and see what I can get done. I'll report back later... I sailed to City Island (in the Bronx, NY) for the haulout, so the boat is only about 20 minutes from where I work, and its a bit warmer here than in Mystic, where she is usually berthed.

I ran antifreeze through the electric bilge pump, fresh water pump and lines and shower bilge pump and lines, and I'll sleep easier tonight, and finish the job this weekend.
The manual bilge pump wasn't working- I usually use a portable bilge pump, and hadn't noticed (new winter project)- so I couldn't pump any antifreeze into the lines, but did put some in the bilge. The hot water lines are still unprotected, but hopefully they'll be ok.
Thanks to everyone for the advice,
dave

Just kidding. Yes you should be ok as I don't think it drops below freezing even in the panhandle. However if you see a forecast where it doesn't go above freezing for a couple days then you will need to do something.

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